Self-service dining taking off

Cashierless food and beverage establishments are springing up across China as more dining spaces embrace technologies to improve efficiency and trim costs.

In July, Singaporean bakery chain BreadTalk Group Ltd unveiled its first unmanned outlet in Shanghai. Customers scan a QR code to register their presence and authorize payment via Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's mobile wallet Alipay.

There are cameras and sensors to detect when customers open the fridge door and items such as bread, buns, yoghurt and juices are removed from shelves. Money is deducted automatically as shoppers complete the purchase and close the fridge door.